Sea Kings’ Bannon commits to UCSD

Corona del Mar High senior Phil Bannon has committed to continue his volleyball career at UC San Diego, Sea Kings Coach Steve Conti announced Monday.

Bannon, a 6-foot setter in his third season as the varsity starter, helped the Sea Kings advance to CIF Southern Section title matches in 2005 and 2006.

Last season, with Bannon acting as the offensive trigger man, Bannon helped CdM reach the Division II title match, which they lost to Valencia.

As a sophomore, Bannon helped CdM defeat Valencia of Valencia to win the Southern Section Division II crown.

CdM finished 27-5 both seasons.

Bannon was named second-team All-CIF Division II as a junior, when he earned first-team All-Pacific Coast League recognition.

As a sophomore, he was also second-team All-CIF.

This season, the Sea Kings (24-2) are ranked No. 1 in CIF Division II.

Heading into this week’s action, Corona del Mar is 78-14 with Bannon at the controls.

UCSD, a member of the ultra-competitive Mountain Pacific Sports Federation, finished 5-23 this season, 2-20 in the MPSF.